OTOO

In recent years, the concept of a circular economy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach
to address the challenges of resource depletion and environmental degradation. This innovative
model has been gaining significant traction among companies worldwide, revolutionizing traditional linear production and consumption practices. In a circular economy, the prevailing notion of
waste is fundamentally challenged, as materials are not merely recycled or disposed of properly but
instead circulate within closed-loop systems. The primary objective is to eliminate waste generation
altogether by ensuring that all materials are reused, repaired, or repurposed whenever possible. This
paradigm shift has sparked a transformative wave, compelling businesses to rethink their strategies,
products, and processes.
Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has expressed its strong commitment to achieving significant progress in climate action by enhancing the environmental sustainability of its products, operations, and supply chain. In 2021, J&J established ambitious sustainability goals, including its aspiration to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 [1]. To accomplish these
objectives, the company is proactively exploring innovative and sustainable strategies to create solutions for its packaging and drug delivery systems that encourage circularity in their material streams.
The project featured three subteams: a team of engineering students from Stanford University in the
United States, and two teams of business students from the ZHAW International Business Master’s
program in Switzerland. Janssen challenged the team to explore circular solutions for self-injectable
drug delivery and pharmaceutical packaging material streams.